![\"Up](\"https:\/\/gastatic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/01-stag.jpg\" "\\"Up")
<\/a>The Stag 10S M-LOK, chambered in .308 Win., with 13.5-in. handguard and Trijicon 1-6×24 AccuPoint scope.<\/p><\/div>\n
The .308<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s also highly regarded in long-range shooting communities \u2014 police, military and civilian \u2014 because of its downrange performance and terminal ballistics. Simply put, it\u2019s a relatively flat shooting, long-range capable cartridge that\u2019ll stop an elk or an enemy combatant in their tracks while producing relatively minimal recoil for the shooter.<\/p>\n
The .308 is also incredibly versatile, as it turns out, when paired with one of Eugene Stoner\u2019s AR-10-type offspring \u2014 the beefier, scaled up variant of the AR-15-type rifle. While the .308 is accompanied by greater recoil than the 5.56 NATO\/.223 Rem., it\u2019s also capable of seating heavier bullets with more energy and, as a result, more devastation on target. The other beauty of this short-action thumper is that it performs well in shorter barrels than many other hunting rounds, making it ideal for the compact, lightweight carry rifle, whether in semi-auto or bolt-action configurations.<\/p>\n
Stag 10S M-LOK <\/strong><\/h2>\nExpanding on its time-tested, American-made line of AR-type rifles, Stag Arms hit the streets this year with a newer, shorter version of the Stag 10 (its AR-10 variant), the 10S M-LOK. Wisely, Stag offers two calibers in the AR-10 platform, the .308 Win. and the ever-popular and wildly effective 6.5 Creedmoor. This review will focus on the .308 version, with proprietary Stag M-LOK handguard.<\/p>\n
The AR-10 Platform<\/h2>\n![\"Up](\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/03-stag-400x267.jpg\" "\\"Up")
<\/a>The Trijicon 1-6×24 AccuPoint scope is a great optic for close-quarters scuffles, giving shooters just enough magnification to cover everything inside 100 yards.<\/p><\/div>\n
One of the disadvantages, traditionally, of the AR-10 platform was that it lacked the widespread popularity and, as a result, interchangeability of parts as the AR-15. On the Stag 10S, engineers stuck with DPMS-compatible receivers and components, one of the only standard configurations when it comes to the AR-10 platform. That means if you\u2019re swapping parts from, say, Brownells, you can generally rely on the DPMS designation for compatibility and fit.<\/p>\n
Like all AR-10-type rifles, the Stag 10S features .308\/AR-10 buffer tube components (again, a stouter spring and buffer than the AR-15) and Nitride bolt carrier group (BCG) with quench polish quench (QPQ), a type of nitrocarburizing case hardening that increases corrosion resistance. Produced in-house by Stag, the BCG is comprised of quality parts that carry a retail price, when sold separately, of $230. In case you were wondering, it\u2019s the same BCG that you\u2019d find in the 6.5 Creedmoor variant.<\/p>\n
![\"Up](\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/04-stag-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"Up")
<\/a>As compared to the Stag 10 standard model, the \u201cS\u201d variant features an M-LOK handguard that is 3 inches shorter. The concept, according to Stag, is to make it friendlier for close-quarters combat.<\/p><\/div>\n
What’s With the S?<\/h2>\n
The \u201cS\u201d variant of the Stag 10 signifies a shorter barrel and handguard; the standard model features an 18-inch barrel with 16.5-inch handguard, whereas the 10S utilizes a 16-inch barrel and 13.5-inch handguard. The beauty of the shorter version is that it\u2019s more maneuverable in tight spaces. Overall length is 35.25 inches (collapsed), which saves you a few inches off the standard model. So whether you\u2019re building a home defense plan that includes a .308, or preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse, the 10S is going to be your best friend in urban combat scenarios.<\/p>\n
![\"Up](\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/06-stag-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"Up")
<\/a>Featuring a Magpul Adaptable Carbine\/Storage (ACS) buttstock with extra room for battery storage, the Stag 10S is a defense-ready rifle.<\/p><\/div>\n
While it isn\u2019t ambidextrous, the 10S is available in left-hand models and\/or with a KeyMod handguard. The review rifle featured right-handed features a forward assist with brass deflector, right-hand control on the safety selector and a beveled mag well for rapid refueling. Going above and beyond the standard configuration, Stag added a luxurious Hogue pistol grip ($21.99 at Brownells) that goes a long way to improving the overall ergonomics of the rifle. The 13.5-inch M-LOK handguard features a full length top rail and M-LOK cutouts at the 3, 6 and 9 o\u2019clock positions.<\/p>\n
Other Features<\/h2>\n
Underneath that lightweight handguard is a low-profile gas block and mid-length gas tube, and at the end of the barrel sits a VG6 Gamma 762 muzzle brake\/compensator that helps limit recoil and aid with follow up shots. The rifle comes with one 10-round PMAG and a Magpul adaptable carbine\/storage (ACS) buttstock.<\/p>\n
![\"Up](\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/07-stag-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"Up")
<\/a>The Stag 10S features forged 7075 T6 forged aluminum receivers and right-handed controls. A Hogue pistol grip adds additional comfort to the platform, and a beveled mag well lends itself to no-look mag swaps.<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"Up](\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/10-stag-400x267.jpg\" "\\"Up")
<\/a>Federal\u2019s 180-grain Nosler Partition is a big game workhorse, with a bullet that\u2019s virtually a legend in the hunting world. In testing, the 180-grain load produced a best group of .80 inches, pretty darn impressive with a 6x scope.<\/p><\/div>\n
Trigger Time<\/h2>\n
My one gripe \u2014\u00a0and this isn\u2019t anything unique to Stag \u2014\u00a0is the Mil-Spec trigger. I realize it\u2019s a relative bargain to get an AR-10-type rifle for under $1,600 (keep in mind, that\u2019s the suggested retail, not the street price), but I have never understood why $300 bolt guns from Ruger or Savage come supplied with a superb trigger but AR customers are willing to settle for a gritty, weighty slab of iron that greatly hinders overall accuracy.<\/p>\n
Even some of the \u201chigh-end\u201d AR-type rifles I\u2019ve shot still employ the awful 5-8-pound trigger, and I frankly can\u2019t stand them. Tons of take up, creep, over-travel and inconsistency\u2026ah, yes, everything we\u2019ve come to expect from a Mil-Spec trigger. Nothing like the nagging suspicion that the safety\u2019s still on, even when it\u2019s not. Several manufacturers are going the in-house route for a relative bargain, and I\u2019d love to see more of it \u2014 charge me the extra $100 and send the rifle with a proprietary, drop-in trigger that\u2019s halfway decent.<\/p>\n
At the Range <\/strong><\/h2>\nEven for all the griping I just did about the trigger, the Stag 10S is a true shooter. Going with the theme of a close quarters combat rifle, I topped the 10S with Trijicon\u2019s 1-6×24 AccuPoint scope, which rather than batteries relies on tritium and fiber optics to capture natural light in the illuminated reticle. It\u2019s probably not the best optic for measuring true accuracy potential at 100 yards, but it at least gives you a reasonable expectation of accuracy in close range environment, and even then it produced pint-sized groups. As always, a scope from Trijicon is insanely rugged, ridiculously accurate and also not cheap ($1,200, in this case).<\/p>\n
Performance:<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Up](\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/08-stag-400x267.jpg\" "\\"Up")
<\/a>Federal\u2019s 150-grain Fusion shot well, considering the limitations of a 6x scope, posting a best group of 1.01 inches.<\/p><\/div>\n
Federal Fusion 150-gr.<\/strong><\/h2>\nAverage Velocity: 2,786 fps<\/p>\n
Standard Deviation: 21 fps<\/p>\n
Extreme Spread: 46 fps<\/p>\n
Average Group: 1.44 in.<\/p>\n
Best Group: 1.01 in.<\/p>\n
Hornady Superformance 150-gr. SST<\/strong><\/p>\nAverage Velocity: 2,743 fps<\/p>\n
Standard Deviation: 11 fps<\/p>\n
Extreme Spread: 22 fps<\/p>\n
Average Group: 1.27 in.<\/p>\n
Best Group: .95 in.<\/p>\n
Federal 180-<\/strong>gr. Nosler Partition<\/strong><\/p>\nAverage Velocity: 2,398 fps<\/p>\n
Standard Deviation: 24 fps<\/p>\n
Extreme Spread: 55 fps<\/p>\n
Average Group: 1.32 in.<\/p>\n
Best Group: .80 in.<\/p>\n
Data was collected from four three-shot groups at 100 yards, then measured with a digital caliper. Shooting was done from a Caldwell B.R. Pivot shooting bench and Lead Sled, while velocity was measured using a Pro Chrono chronograph.<\/p>\n
Best Group:<\/h2>\n![\"Up](\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/05-stag-400x267.jpg\" "\\"Up")
<\/a>The Stag 10S features a VG6 Precision Gamma 762 brake\/compensator hybrid that helps minimize recoil.<\/p><\/div>\n
The best group size came with Federal Premium\u2019s 180-grain Nosler Partition, which produced an exceptionally good .80-inch group and averaged 1.32 inches. I chose that round in particular because it\u2019s a great big-game or hog-stopping load with a track record a mile long.<\/p>\n
Also tested was Federal\u2019s 150-grain Fusion load, which is specifically designed for the AR-type platform and is reasonably affordable at any big box store near you. Average groups on this budget-friendly load were 1.44 inches \u2014 more than minute of hog \u2014\u00a0while the best group came in at a suitable 1.01 inches. I\u2019ve used it plenty on hogs and deer and, for my money, the Fusion round is affordable, effective, and runs reliably in the AR-type rifle.<\/p>\n
Finally, I tested Hornady\u2019s Superformance 150-grain SST, another reliable deer hunting round. With average velocities around 2,700 fps and a best group of .95 inches, the Superformance load was also accurate. Average groups came in just shy of the 1.3-inch mark, which was quite acceptable given the optic.<\/p>\n
<\/a>The Trijicon 1-6×24 AccuPoint scope is a great optic for close-quarters scuffles, giving shooters just enough magnification to cover everything inside 100 yards.<\/p><\/div>\n
One of the disadvantages, traditionally, of the AR-10 platform was that it lacked the widespread popularity and, as a result, interchangeability of parts as the AR-15. On the Stag 10S, engineers stuck with DPMS-compatible receivers and components, one of the only standard configurations when it comes to the AR-10 platform. That means if you\u2019re swapping parts from, say, Brownells, you can generally rely on the DPMS designation for compatibility and fit.<\/p>\n
Like all AR-10-type rifles, the Stag 10S features .308\/AR-10 buffer tube components (again, a stouter spring and buffer than the AR-15) and Nitride bolt carrier group (BCG) with quench polish quench (QPQ), a type of nitrocarburizing case hardening that increases corrosion resistance. Produced in-house by Stag, the BCG is comprised of quality parts that carry a retail price, when sold separately, of $230. In case you were wondering, it\u2019s the same BCG that you\u2019d find in the 6.5 Creedmoor variant.<\/p>\n
<\/a>As compared to the Stag 10 standard model, the \u201cS\u201d variant features an M-LOK handguard that is 3 inches shorter. The concept, according to Stag, is to make it friendlier for close-quarters combat.<\/p><\/div>\n
What’s With the S?<\/h2>\n
The \u201cS\u201d variant of the Stag 10 signifies a shorter barrel and handguard; the standard model features an 18-inch barrel with 16.5-inch handguard, whereas the 10S utilizes a 16-inch barrel and 13.5-inch handguard. The beauty of the shorter version is that it\u2019s more maneuverable in tight spaces. Overall length is 35.25 inches (collapsed), which saves you a few inches off the standard model. So whether you\u2019re building a home defense plan that includes a .308, or preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse, the 10S is going to be your best friend in urban combat scenarios.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Featuring a Magpul Adaptable Carbine\/Storage (ACS) buttstock with extra room for battery storage, the Stag 10S is a defense-ready rifle.<\/p><\/div>\n
While it isn\u2019t ambidextrous, the 10S is available in left-hand models and\/or with a KeyMod handguard. The review rifle featured right-handed features a forward assist with brass deflector, right-hand control on the safety selector and a beveled mag well for rapid refueling. Going above and beyond the standard configuration, Stag added a luxurious Hogue pistol grip ($21.99 at Brownells) that goes a long way to improving the overall ergonomics of the rifle. The 13.5-inch M-LOK handguard features a full length top rail and M-LOK cutouts at the 3, 6 and 9 o\u2019clock positions.<\/p>\n
Other Features<\/h2>\n
Underneath that lightweight handguard is a low-profile gas block and mid-length gas tube, and at the end of the barrel sits a VG6 Gamma 762 muzzle brake\/compensator that helps limit recoil and aid with follow up shots. The rifle comes with one 10-round PMAG and a Magpul adaptable carbine\/storage (ACS) buttstock.<\/p>\n
<\/a>The Stag 10S features forged 7075 T6 forged aluminum receivers and right-handed controls. A Hogue pistol grip adds additional comfort to the platform, and a beveled mag well lends itself to no-look mag swaps.<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Federal\u2019s 180-grain Nosler Partition is a big game workhorse, with a bullet that\u2019s virtually a legend in the hunting world. In testing, the 180-grain load produced a best group of .80 inches, pretty darn impressive with a 6x scope.<\/p><\/div>\n
Trigger Time<\/h2>\n
My one gripe \u2014\u00a0and this isn\u2019t anything unique to Stag \u2014\u00a0is the Mil-Spec trigger. I realize it\u2019s a relative bargain to get an AR-10-type rifle for under $1,600 (keep in mind, that\u2019s the suggested retail, not the street price), but I have never understood why $300 bolt guns from Ruger or Savage come supplied with a superb trigger but AR customers are willing to settle for a gritty, weighty slab of iron that greatly hinders overall accuracy.<\/p>\n
Even some of the \u201chigh-end\u201d AR-type rifles I\u2019ve shot still employ the awful 5-8-pound trigger, and I frankly can\u2019t stand them. Tons of take up, creep, over-travel and inconsistency\u2026ah, yes, everything we\u2019ve come to expect from a Mil-Spec trigger. Nothing like the nagging suspicion that the safety\u2019s still on, even when it\u2019s not. Several manufacturers are going the in-house route for a relative bargain, and I\u2019d love to see more of it \u2014 charge me the extra $100 and send the rifle with a proprietary, drop-in trigger that\u2019s halfway decent.<\/p>\n
At the Range <\/strong><\/h2>\nEven for all the griping I just did about the trigger, the Stag 10S is a true shooter. Going with the theme of a close quarters combat rifle, I topped the 10S with Trijicon\u2019s 1-6×24 AccuPoint scope, which rather than batteries relies on tritium and fiber optics to capture natural light in the illuminated reticle. It\u2019s probably not the best optic for measuring true accuracy potential at 100 yards, but it at least gives you a reasonable expectation of accuracy in close range environment, and even then it produced pint-sized groups. As always, a scope from Trijicon is insanely rugged, ridiculously accurate and also not cheap ($1,200, in this case).<\/p>\n
Performance:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/a>Federal\u2019s 150-grain Fusion shot well, considering the limitations of a 6x scope, posting a best group of 1.01 inches.<\/p><\/div>\n
Federal Fusion 150-gr.<\/strong><\/h2>\nAverage Velocity: 2,786 fps<\/p>\n
Standard Deviation: 21 fps<\/p>\n
Extreme Spread: 46 fps<\/p>\n
Average Group: 1.44 in.<\/p>\n
Best Group: 1.01 in.<\/p>\n
Hornady Superformance 150-gr. SST<\/strong><\/p>\nAverage Velocity: 2,743 fps<\/p>\n
Standard Deviation: 11 fps<\/p>\n
Extreme Spread: 22 fps<\/p>\n
Average Group: 1.27 in.<\/p>\n
Best Group: .95 in.<\/p>\n
Federal 180-<\/strong>gr. Nosler Partition<\/strong><\/p>\nAverage Velocity: 2,398 fps<\/p>\n
Standard Deviation: 24 fps<\/p>\n
Extreme Spread: 55 fps<\/p>\n
Average Group: 1.32 in.<\/p>\n
Best Group: .80 in.<\/p>\n
Data was collected from four three-shot groups at 100 yards, then measured with a digital caliper. Shooting was done from a Caldwell B.R. Pivot shooting bench and Lead Sled, while velocity was measured using a Pro Chrono chronograph.<\/p>\n
Best Group:<\/h2>\n<\/a>The Stag 10S features a VG6 Precision Gamma 762 brake\/compensator hybrid that helps minimize recoil.<\/p><\/div>\n
The best group size came with Federal Premium\u2019s 180-grain Nosler Partition, which produced an exceptionally good .80-inch group and averaged 1.32 inches. I chose that round in particular because it\u2019s a great big-game or hog-stopping load with a track record a mile long.<\/p>\n
Also tested was Federal\u2019s 150-grain Fusion load, which is specifically designed for the AR-type platform and is reasonably affordable at any big box store near you. Average groups on this budget-friendly load were 1.44 inches \u2014 more than minute of hog \u2014\u00a0while the best group came in at a suitable 1.01 inches. I\u2019ve used it plenty on hogs and deer and, for my money, the Fusion round is affordable, effective, and runs reliably in the AR-type rifle.<\/p>\n
Finally, I tested Hornady\u2019s Superformance 150-grain SST, another reliable deer hunting round. With average velocities around 2,700 fps and a best group of .95 inches, the Superformance load was also accurate. Average groups came in just shy of the 1.3-inch mark, which was quite acceptable given the optic.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Federal\u2019s 150-grain Fusion shot well, considering the limitations of a 6x scope, posting a best group of 1.01 inches.<\/p><\/div>\n
Federal Fusion 150-gr.<\/strong><\/h2>\nAverage Velocity: 2,786 fps<\/p>\n
Standard Deviation: 21 fps<\/p>\n
Extreme Spread: 46 fps<\/p>\n
Average Group: 1.44 in.<\/p>\n
Best Group: 1.01 in.<\/p>\n
Hornady Superformance 150-gr. SST<\/strong><\/p>\nAverage Velocity: 2,743 fps<\/p>\n
Standard Deviation: 11 fps<\/p>\n
Extreme Spread: 22 fps<\/p>\n
Average Group: 1.27 in.<\/p>\n
Best Group: .95 in.<\/p>\n
Federal 180-<\/strong>gr. Nosler Partition<\/strong><\/p>\nAverage Velocity: 2,398 fps<\/p>\n
Standard Deviation: 24 fps<\/p>\n
Extreme Spread: 55 fps<\/p>\n
Average Group: 1.32 in.<\/p>\n
Best Group: .80 in.<\/p>\n
Data was collected from four three-shot groups at 100 yards, then measured with a digital caliper. Shooting was done from a Caldwell B.R. Pivot shooting bench and Lead Sled, while velocity was measured using a Pro Chrono chronograph.<\/p>\n
Best Group:<\/h2>\n<\/a>The Stag 10S features a VG6 Precision Gamma 762 brake\/compensator hybrid that helps minimize recoil.<\/p><\/div>\n
The best group size came with Federal Premium\u2019s 180-grain Nosler Partition, which produced an exceptionally good .80-inch group and averaged 1.32 inches. I chose that round in particular because it\u2019s a great big-game or hog-stopping load with a track record a mile long.<\/p>\n
Also tested was Federal\u2019s 150-grain Fusion load, which is specifically designed for the AR-type platform and is reasonably affordable at any big box store near you. Average groups on this budget-friendly load were 1.44 inches \u2014 more than minute of hog \u2014\u00a0while the best group came in at a suitable 1.01 inches. I\u2019ve used it plenty on hogs and deer and, for my money, the Fusion round is affordable, effective, and runs reliably in the AR-type rifle.<\/p>\n
Finally, I tested Hornady\u2019s Superformance 150-grain SST, another reliable deer hunting round. With average velocities around 2,700 fps and a best group of .95 inches, the Superformance load was also accurate. Average groups came in just shy of the 1.3-inch mark, which was quite acceptable given the optic.<\/p>\n
Average Velocity: 2,743 fps<\/p>\n
Standard Deviation: 11 fps<\/p>\n
Extreme Spread: 22 fps<\/p>\n
Average Group: 1.27 in.<\/p>\n
Best Group: .95 in.<\/p>\n
Federal 180-<\/strong>gr. Nosler Partition<\/strong><\/p>\n Average Velocity: 2,398 fps<\/p>\n Standard Deviation: 24 fps<\/p>\n Extreme Spread: 55 fps<\/p>\n Average Group: 1.32 in.<\/p>\n Best Group: .80 in.<\/p>\n Data was collected from four three-shot groups at 100 yards, then measured with a digital caliper. Shooting was done from a Caldwell B.R. Pivot shooting bench and Lead Sled, while velocity was measured using a Pro Chrono chronograph.<\/p>\n The Stag 10S features a VG6 Precision Gamma 762 brake\/compensator hybrid that helps minimize recoil.<\/p><\/div>\n The best group size came with Federal Premium\u2019s 180-grain Nosler Partition, which produced an exceptionally good .80-inch group and averaged 1.32 inches. I chose that round in particular because it\u2019s a great big-game or hog-stopping load with a track record a mile long.<\/p>\n Also tested was Federal\u2019s 150-grain Fusion load, which is specifically designed for the AR-type platform and is reasonably affordable at any big box store near you. Average groups on this budget-friendly load were 1.44 inches \u2014 more than minute of hog \u2014\u00a0while the best group came in at a suitable 1.01 inches. I\u2019ve used it plenty on hogs and deer and, for my money, the Fusion round is affordable, effective, and runs reliably in the AR-type rifle.<\/p>\n Finally, I tested Hornady\u2019s Superformance 150-grain SST, another reliable deer hunting round. With average velocities around 2,700 fps and a best group of .95 inches, the Superformance load was also accurate. Average groups came in just shy of the 1.3-inch mark, which was quite acceptable given the optic.<\/p>\nBest Group:<\/h2>\n
<\/a>